Page 134 of Babies at Coconuts

Ken cocked his head, wearing a silly grin. “Coconuts. Where else?”

Suzy leaned against the headrest. “Perfect.”

After parking, Ken extended his arm as they stepped across the crunchy gravel. “Don’t fall in those heels, whatever you do.”

Suzy shuddered. “I’ll be careful. Don’t worry, dad-to-be. I’m hungry all of a sudden.”

“Good. Your New York friend insisted on catering the party.” He grinned. “At no charge.”

“Really? She’s the best.”

As they stepped inside Coconuts, Hope, Alex, and Cheri raced toward the door and greeted the couple. Giddy, nervous excitement filled the air.

Hope clasped her hands. “I can’t wait to hear the baby’s sex.”

“Me neither.” Alex winked at Suzy. “I’m about to bust a gut.”

Suzy embraced her friends. “You think you can’t wait.” She glanced toward Ken. “He knows, but I can’t get it out of him.”

Alex grinned. “All the more reason to get this party started.”

“Okay, okay. Let me take it all in first.” Suzy noted a table laden with miniature sandwiches, pita bread, veggies, hummus, avocado fries, sweet potato fries, various soups and dips. “This is quite a spread.” She hugged Cheri. “I understand you’re behind this. Thank you.”

After the women embraced, Alex said, “Okay, okay. Let’s eat. Some of us are on a schedule.” She elbowed Suzy. “Just kidding. I’m taking the rest of the day off. I’m sure most of the loan officers are golfing and won’t even notice I’m gone.”

Hope chimed in. “I canceled my student appointments. I wouldn’t have missed the baby reveal for anything.”

As they made their way to the food table, Suzy noticed the usual beachy scene at Coconuts had been transformed into a festive baby affair complete with pink and blue streamers and balloons. Teddy bears were perched on bar stools, and plush, yellow ducks were atop several tables. Eyes brimming with tears, she said, “I can’t believe you guys did all of this. I’m really touched. It’s absolutely beautiful.”

Holding a glass of wine in one hand and a Diet Coke in the other, Alex said, “It’s not every day that one of us has a baby. We need to celebrate in a big way.”

“Yes we do. Let’s eat,” Suzy said.

After they devoured the food, Gus and Cheri rolled out a smaller table covered with a white linen tablecloth, alternating pink and blue napkins, and a three-tiered white cake. A pink and blue balloon bouquet adorned the table, as well as two bottles of chilled champagne and flutes.

Cheri handed Suzy a flute filled with a pink concoction. “A Shirley Temple for you, future mom.”

Taking a sip, Suzy said, “Nice touch.”

Ken slung his arm around Suzy’s waist and nuzzled her neck as he reached for a glass of champagne.

Alex, Hope, and Cheri held their flutes in the air, obviously waiting for a proper toast.

After watching Ken cuddle with Suzy, Alex groaned. “Enough, lovebirds. Ken, are you going to tell us the baby’s sex or not?”

“Actually, no, I’m not going to tell you.” He motioned with both hands toward his wife, game-show-host-style. “Suzy gets to do the reveal.”

“Huh? I can’t tell them, honey. I don’t know the sex of the baby. You know that.” Suzy playfully elbowed her husband. “Come on, Ken. We’ve had enough suspense.”

Poker-faced, he handed Suzy a silver, filigreed knife. “Cut the cake, babe.”

Legs shaky, Suzy set her non-alcoholic drink beside the tiered cake and poised the knife above the white dessert. Her voice barely a whisper, she turned to her husband. “Let’s do it together.”

Ken placed his hand over Suzy’s and they jointly cut the cake. Once she removed a slice, the icing inside revealed one blue layer and one pink layer.

“Really, Ken? Stop dragging this out.” Alex put her hands on her hips. “That’s not funny. This has gone on long enough. Which is it?”

Hope’s eyebrows shot up and stayed mid-forehead as she glanced from Ken to Suzy. “Maybe it’s not a joke.”

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